Book Review: On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

Writing the romance novel in November, ushered me through a hidden door from a room I thought I knew well, the Writing Room. My scores on tests throughout my training and career in education, convinced me I knew how to write, spell, and that my knowledge of grammar probably out classed Strunk and White – a good argument against multiple choice tests.

A romance site that helps new writers write the genre of romance recommended Stephen King’s book, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. I devoured every word, making more notes and highlights that I have ever made in my kindle. I noted vocabulary and description. He writes honestly without worrying who might be upset reading it, as long as it is true to character.

Stephen King started writing at about the same age I did, around age 10. I entered a writing contest looking for new talent. When the rejection slip came back, I wadded it up and threw it away. Not Stephen King. He began his lifelong collection of them. He nailed them to his wall, and counted them as a step up to the next level of achievement. What I learned from Stephen King is that you have to push yourself to publish. Eventually you learn what you are doing wrong, if you keep working at it. I wonder what might have happened if I had kept trying to publish my writing.

Stephen King’s advice shot me right in the forehead. In my first composing enthusiasm, I opened myself for the inevitable criticism that accompanies first drafts. (duh) I was so excited when I wrote Girls on Fire that I sent it to anyone who was kind enough to take a look when it was fresh off my fingertips. I discovered that it put one person to sleep, the grammar appalled another reader, and my main character had way too many character flaws. That’s all good information, but there was more eye-opening to come. After reading several books on how to write, I shudder because I know there are many MAJOR errors remaining after the fifth or sixth draft. Master writer, King operates differently. “Write with the door closed… When you rewrite, your main job is taking out all the things that are not the story. … Once you know what the story is and get it right – as right as you can, anyway – it belongs to anyone who wants to read it. Or criticize it.”

“Let’s say you’ve finished your first (fifth or sixth, in my case) … If you have someone who has been impatiently waiting to read your novel… then this is the time to give up the goods … if, that is your first reader or readers will promise not to talk to you about the book until you are ready to talk to them about it.” (p. 210) Then he tells us impatient novice writers to let it sit at least six weeks before we start talking about it with the reader(s). Finally, it’s time to do the real editing work, most of which has to do with character motivation.

King noted when to ignore your first readers. “Some will feel Character A works but Character B is far-fetched. If others feel that Character B is believable but Character A is overdrawn, it’s a wash” (p. 216). Leave it be – yeah! Another hint, “As a reader, I’m a lot more interested in what’s going to happen than what already did” (p. 224). “Everyone has a history and most of it isn’t very interesting” (p. 227) (No wonder my reader fell asleep!)

King’s wise words made my fingertips itch, and my brain dry up for the moment while I try to absorb his advice. In my humble opinion, every new writer, and some of us experienced ones, should read this book.

Oh my, Mr King and I agree! Remember I said there were too many subplots with the minor characters. Well, what he said about wanting to know what’s going to happen is more interesting than what has already happened is exactly what I meant. He took the words right out of my mouth!!

Karen Joy Fowler agrees with much of what Mr. King has to say with the exception of “trust your first instinct.” She says that her first instinct is usually toward the most facile, most “seen-this-a-hundred-times” description or situation. She finds that she must usually ignore her first instinct and go deeper to find a fresh way to express what she’s trying to get across. I find this to be the case with my own writing.

But also remember that every rule can be broken if it’s done well and with purpose. Keep learning and writing.

That makes sense. So now we just have to do it! He has a lot more tenacity than I do, and has had some harrowing experiences, too. I love his honesty and fearlessness. I’m not sure I have those qualities in my writing, but I’m working on it! :)

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Hi, my name is Marsha Ingrao. I'm a friendly introvert. I love my family and meeting you. Writing, photography and learning keeps me young. Responsibilities keep me honest and productive. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Hope to see you again soon.